ASTM E1105-15 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference — ASTM E1105-15 (Reapproved 2023). This field test method specifies procedures for applying a controlled spray of water to the exterior face of installed fenestration assemblies while imposing uniform or cyclic static air pressure differences to determine resistance to water penetration in service conditions.

Abstract

ASTM E1105 provides a standardized, repeatable field procedure to evaluate whether installed exterior windows, doors, skylights and curtain walls resist water penetration when exposed to externally applied water and a controlled static air pressure difference. Two primary procedures are defined — a uniform static-pressure test and a cyclic static-pressure test — using a calibrated spray rack and a pressure chamber. The method is intended for quality assurance, commissioning, forensic investigation of leaks, and acceptance testing of installed fenestration assemblies.

General information

• Status: Active — E1105-15, reapproved 2023.
• Publication date: Original designation 2015; reapproved February 6, 2023.
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee E06).
• ICS / categories: 91.060.50 (Building and civil engineering — Fenestration / windows).
• Edition / version: E1105-15 (Reapproved 2023).
• Number of pages: 6.

Scope

This test method covers field determination of the resistance of installed exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors to water penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a static air pressure at the outdoor face higher than the pressure at the indoor face. It applies to whole assemblies or curtain-wall areas, is intended primarily for determining compliance with specified performance criteria, and may be used to identify sources of leakage between assemblies and adjacent construction. The method requires knowledge of pressure measurement and does not address long-term material degradation or unobservable internal moisture migration.

Key topics and requirements

• Two test procedures: Procedure A — Uniform static pressure (continuous pressure for a minimum 15 minutes); Procedure B — Cyclic static pressure (repeated pressurization and release cycles, typically 5 min on / 1 min off, with minimum total duration specified).
• Use of a calibrated spray rack (nozzle grid) to apply a controlled, uniform exterior water spray at specified flow rates.
• Use of a pressure chamber (commonly interior-mounted) or other means to create and measure the specified air-pressure difference across the specimen; calibrated pressure measurement required.
• Observation and recording of water penetration on the interior face or within the assembly; definition of failure is based on visible water penetration as specified in the standard and by the project/specifier acceptance criteria.
• Test documentation requirements: specimen identification, test pressures, spray rates, duration, weather conditions, and observed points of leakage.
• Limitations and cautions: wind gusting, structural rigidity, installation quality, and site accessibility can affect results; the method does not simulate all possible field wetting conditions and does not measure air infiltration directly.

Typical use and users

ASTM E1105 is used by building envelope consultants, fenestration testing laboratories, architects, specifiers, glazing contractors, quality assurance/quality control personnel, and forensic investigators. Typical applications include pre-occupancy acceptance testing, commissioning, troubleshooting and leak-source identification, contractor acceptance, and post-construction forensic evaluation of reported water intrusion.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside or referenced with: ASTM E331 (laboratory water penetration by uniform static pressure), ASTM E547 (water penetration by cyclic static pressure), ASTM E783 (field measurement of air leakage), ASTM E283 (air leakage), ASTM E2128 (forensic evaluation of water leakage), AAMA 501.2 (field water leakage diagnostic), ASTM E330 (structural performance by static air pressure), and ASTM E2112 (installation practice for exterior windows, doors and skylights).

Keywords

water penetration, field test, E1105, fenestration, windows, curtain walls, doors, cyclic static pressure, uniform static pressure, spray rack, pressure chamber, leak detection, building envelope

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1105 is a field test method for determining water penetration resistance of installed exterior windows, skylights, doors, and curtain walls using a controlled exterior spray and a uniform or cyclic static air pressure difference across the assembly.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for applying exterior water spray and specified static air-pressure differentials to installed assemblies, observation and recording of water penetration, and test documentation. It defines two procedures (uniform and cyclic) and specifies equipment and measurement practices; it is intended for field evaluation, not laboratory certification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Building envelope consultants, independent test labs, architects, glazing contractors, QA/QC teams, and forensic investigators use the method for acceptance testing, commissioning, troubleshooting leaks, and forensic evaluations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E1105-15 was reapproved in 2023 and is currently active (reapproved February 6, 2023). The standard remains in force as ASTM E1105-15 (Reapproved 2023).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the suite of fenestration and exterior wall test methods and guidance produced by ASTM Committee E06 and is commonly used together with related standards such as ASTM E331, E547, E283, E783 and AAMA field-test practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Water penetration, field testing, fenestration, windows, curtain walls, cyclic test, uniform test, pressure chamber, spray rack, leak detection.